Over the last number of weeks many ETBs across the country have expressed their concern about funding shortfalls and are saying that they are being squeezed. I have read articles about same related to Louth and Meath ETB and in my own county, Cork City and County ETB has experienced a similar shortfall in funding. I am guessing - the Minister can correct me if I am wrong - that this is related to the increased allowances for apprentices that were committed to last year. I ask the Minister to explain the squeeze and what he intends to do to make sure all ETBs are adequately funded to deliver the courses they have been prescribed to undertake.

I thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to address this important matter. He is correct that some of this dates back to commitments that were given last year. I am working through the issues. There was an issue with backlogs that arose over the last two years which are now working their way through the system. Apprentices who should have been out through the system and qualified are now at phases 4 and 6. The upshot of that is that more people are coming through, which is a good thing, but because of previous delays, they are being paid at the higher rates, as befits their status, and a funding shortfall has arisen as a result. I am meeting the board of SOLAS next week. I have also met a number of ETBs on this. I have engaged with Deputy O'Sullivan's local ETB on it. I have given a direction that no apprenticeship classes should be cancelled in any ETB in the country and I understand the ETBs are working through that locally. I will continue to engage with Deputy O'Sullivan and with other Deputies interested in the matter.